Chapter Nine: On the Hunt; Find the Prey
"This sucks," Naikou muttered. She was right. We, as in Naikou, Ban'yuu, Riku, Tai, Aijou and of course, myself, were bored.
"Come now, girls, let's get up and go," Fighter D commanded. She sat on her haunches, her tail wagging slightly as she gazed at us with a gleam in her eye. "Must not dally, now. Let's get and go."
"Why don't you go bury a bone?" Riku muttered. She yelped as Fighter D swiped her with her oversized paw.
"None of that, kid. Now all of you, get up. Let's go find Sailor Minerva."
'Blah, blah, blah,' I thought, snickering. 'She's even worse than Combat C.' Thinking of him, I could feel myself blushing. Like an idiot or jackass, he and I never discussed what was between us. I didn't really know if there was something but I knew I felt something. I just wished I could do something with it. 'Like toss the stubborn boy over a cliff.'
There was a distant rumble and I looked upward toward Sakurajima. 'It's been awhile since I went there.' "Hey, guys, don't mean to leave but I'm going off for awhile."
"Wait, "Aijou began but the others grabbed her and they dragged off somewhere in the opposite direction. I walked silently, passing small story homes that children was often seen. I felt again the rumble and wondered if Sakurajima was going to erupt. I shrugged, as it was highly unlikely. I entered the woods and soon all I heard was the crunching of fallen leaves and misplaced sticks and branches. I breathed in the air and sighed.
"Well, at least it's peaceful." I said out loud, hearing my echo through the cool air. I sat down on a overturned rock and rocked, my hands under my chin as I thought. It was something I've been doing lately. Especially since Combat C came back. It was what he told us that had me interested.
'"The truth is, even my family knows not what the problem is." Combat C admitted.
"So you left for no reason?" I muttered snidely. He ignored me.
"I think it has to do with a dark being, someone tainted from a long time ago. He's been set free from whatever hold he was in and is looking for revenge against the one who locked him up."
"Who are we talking about? General Darkness?" Aijou asked.
"Yes. We think he was a general for the Earth forces back in the age of the Silver Millenium. Somehow, he's broken free and.."
"Yea, yea, we know," Riku spoke up. "He's up for revenge."
"Who locked him up?" I asked to the group. Combat C looked at me with a funny look. "What?"
"We don't know yet," Fighter D answered. "It was a princess of some sorts, that was also a warrior."
"What princess?" Aijou asked then.
"Look, let's worry about General Darkness. I think we'll know more in time," Riku answered as she stood up. "Now, let's go to the park. I can show you some of my motorcycle tricks."'
'It was as if they were trying to hide the identity of the princess.' I thought. "Wait, I got it. It's got to be Sailor Moon. She's a senshi, she's got to be the princess." Pleased with myself, I turned to leave my santruary.
"What makes you think it was Princess Serenity?" A voice spoke. A girl jumped down from a tree. Behind her was Shusen.
"Shusen? Oh I was so worried about you," I cried, wrapping my arms around her. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, thank you," She smiled shyly. "And thank you, for saving me and my father."
"Oh, that, well, you'd do the same thing, right?" I grinned. "So who's this?"
"This is Chigiri Ryoushi." Shusen's hand waved at the girl. She had black raven hair, that swung in two waist length braids. She had no bangs and she had violent red eyes that were startling. She stood over me with a strong presence. She wore army boots, with a pair of khaki's and a red tank top that didn't give her any modesty. Again our eyes met, and I felt something like fear. She must of sensed this as she smiled, her angry face going to friendly face and I relaxed.
"I am Shukumei Shuushi. My friends call me Shuu." I bowed at her politely.
"I am glad to meet you," her hand stretched out and we shook hands. There was a shock that ran through me and I saw a outline of a woman who was suddenly encased in light. The handshake finished, I stood dazed.
"Who are you?" I asked shakily.
"Myself? I am Sailor Diana, the senshi of the hunts." She posed mockingly. "Yea, that's me."
I stared at her. "You two know each other?"
"Yep, we grew up together. We're best buds, right Shusen?" She grinned as she looped an arm around Shusen's shoulders.
"How..." I began but Ryoushi cut through.
"I awoke a couple a years ago. It was rather funny, actually, so yeah, there's your answer."
Shusen shook her head, smiling. "You mustn't be so rude, Ryou-chan, it's not very becoming."
"Ah, Shuu's alright, ain't ya, princess?" Her eyes sparked at me, as if she was challenging me. I tried to think but my mind was a haze.
"Yea, of course," I muttered. I turned around. "I have to go, excuse me." I walked aimlessly and blinded by the fog. I couldn't understand what I was trying to think of. I was startled out of my thoughts by the crashing of huge tree in front of me.
"Shuu," I heard Shusen, or was it Ryoushi, scream out. There was a sudden flash of light and I felt unbelievable pain.
I floated quietly, in a midst of calm darkness. I smiled lazily, as I lied upon the soothing air.
"....Janus.....Sailor Janus...." the voice whispered through. "....rincess...........wake up, dear, wake up."
I found myself being pushed. I groaned and heard a collective sigh.
"Oh, sweetie, don't scare me like that," Mom wrapped her arms around me as I struggled to sit up. Dad grinned boldly, though I could see traces of tears upon his face. Even my little brother was there.
"What happened?" I asked.
"Well, the girls said a tree fell on you," Mom answered. I frowned.
"Oh, well, I'm okay now. Can we go home?"
"Well, angel, I don't....," Dad began but Mom broke in.
"Of course. Let's help you up."
I was out of the hospital fast but I stayed home for a few days, at the request of my mother. When I was finally able to leave, I went to the hangout.
"Hey guys, miss me?" I asked. I gawked as I noticed Shusen and Ryoushi sitting in the group.
"Shuu," Was the only warning before I was plummeted to the floor by Aijou. "Oh, I was so upset, are you all better now?"
"Well, she was," Combat C answered, sitting near my head.
"Where'd you come from?" Naikou asked.
"Talking strategy with Fighter D," he answered. I noticed several of the girls rolling their eyes and snickering.
"Hey, Ryou, Shusen, did a tree actually fall on me?"
"Something to the effect. But it wasn't an accident." Shusen answered.
"Yep, now we gotta protect you," Ryou weaved her arms behind her head, giving out a soft sigh. "But, you know, this is going to be fun. A group of girls fighting bad-asses and killing and stuff."
"Killing is wrong," Aijou broke out.
"I agree with Aijou," Tai shouted. "Killing is inhumane. Do you want to be seen as a monster?"
Ryou blinked and then shrugged. "Hey, there are bad guys that deserve to die. Not my fault if it's our job."
"It is NOT our job," Ban'yuu shouted. The girls were standing up, ready to pounce on Ryou.
"Whatever," she muttered as she also stood up. "So princess, if you need me, I'll be around." She nodded slightly to me and left, Tai following behind her.
"What a witch," Tai growled. "Who does she think she is?"
"Maybe someone who knows more of the truth than you," Riku answered. "So get off her case."
Everyone was silent and I felt uncomfortable. I found myself wiggling and I jumped up. "Well, I think we need a break. I'm going home. C.C., coming?"
He jumped off from the branch and followed me as I also left. As we walked, I slowed down and Combat C met my strides.
"So, were you worried about me?" I asked finally, the question actually unwanted.
He was silent for so long I thought maybe I asked too softly. "Yes, I was," he answered as I had opened my mouth to repeat myself. As I walked forward, it dawned on me that C.C. had fallen behind. "C.C.?" I asked, facing him. He had turned into his human form and was looking at the woods intently. "C.C.?" I asked again, approaching him.
"Let's go see Sakurajima." He said suddenly, giving me a warm smile. I felt my knees go weak as I murmured okay in a flimsy breath.
We walked together for a while in calm silence. I glanced at him and found him also glancing at me. Instantly, we broke the gaze and I blushed furiously.
We entered a open area, where the sun shone down gently and there were bright patches of flowers streaming over the place. I sat down carefully, C.C. following my example after a few moments.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" I asked, my voice quiet and shy.
"I, uh...I..." he stammered, his eyes averted to the sky.
I snorted. "What, cat got your tongue?" I bit my lip. "Sorry."
I was surprised by a chuckle. He shook his head and gave me a heart melting smile. "It's alright, we say that too."
"Oh, really?" I fumbled around for something else to say.
"Shuu?" He asked, his voice uncertain. "If I were a full human, do you think....?"
"What?" My voice was breathless and our eyes met. 'Shoot, what's wrong?' I yelled at my brain.
It seemed like we were pulled closer when there was merely centimeters between us. Sadly, there was a loud crash and we ripped ourselves away as a tree came tumbling down.
"Shuu, move it," C.C. shouted, as he pushed me to the side. We landed with a thud, his body strewn all over me as I heard laughing.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't little C.C.?" A man's voice broke out.
I was surprised as C.C. threw himself up and hissed sharply. "Traitor, that's what you are."
Another human cat, with black hair, black eyes and a gray military uniform, stood poised, ready to pounce on a victim. "It's been a long time, old friend," he spoke sarcastically on the words old friend.
"What do you want?" C.C. shouted as he threw his hands as if to protect me from any attack.
"Nothing, just your downfall," the boy sneered. He jumped down gracefully and grinned widely. "Since we were rivals then, it's suiting that we're enemies now, no?"
Again, C.C. let out a angry hiss. His head turned slightly and he said very quietly, "get going."
I stared at the other cat boy and slowly walked backwards.
"Oh, no," the other said mockingly. "Where do you think you going, princess?" The sentence ended in a sharp hiss as his eyes glinted. He leaped toward me and I braced myself. I heard another yowl and saw C.C. jump at the other's throat.
"No," I screamed and that scream echoed through the trees and up to the sky as I could only watch, paralyzed by the fight.
Sheesh, if I could get anymore feminine, I'd make myself sick. But it's up to me to end this fight along with saving myself and C.C. Until next time,
End Combat Mode.
"This sucks," Naikou muttered. She was right. We, as in Naikou, Ban'yuu, Riku, Tai, Aijou and of course, myself, were bored.
"Come now, girls, let's get up and go," Fighter D commanded. She sat on her haunches, her tail wagging slightly as she gazed at us with a gleam in her eye. "Must not dally, now. Let's get and go."
"Why don't you go bury a bone?" Riku muttered. She yelped as Fighter D swiped her with her oversized paw.
"None of that, kid. Now all of you, get up. Let's go find Sailor Minerva."
'Blah, blah, blah,' I thought, snickering. 'She's even worse than Combat C.' Thinking of him, I could feel myself blushing. Like an idiot or jackass, he and I never discussed what was between us. I didn't really know if there was something but I knew I felt something. I just wished I could do something with it. 'Like toss the stubborn boy over a cliff.'
There was a distant rumble and I looked upward toward Sakurajima. 'It's been awhile since I went there.' "Hey, guys, don't mean to leave but I'm going off for awhile."
"Wait, "Aijou began but the others grabbed her and they dragged off somewhere in the opposite direction. I walked silently, passing small story homes that children was often seen. I felt again the rumble and wondered if Sakurajima was going to erupt. I shrugged, as it was highly unlikely. I entered the woods and soon all I heard was the crunching of fallen leaves and misplaced sticks and branches. I breathed in the air and sighed.
"Well, at least it's peaceful." I said out loud, hearing my echo through the cool air. I sat down on a overturned rock and rocked, my hands under my chin as I thought. It was something I've been doing lately. Especially since Combat C came back. It was what he told us that had me interested.
'"The truth is, even my family knows not what the problem is." Combat C admitted.
"So you left for no reason?" I muttered snidely. He ignored me.
"I think it has to do with a dark being, someone tainted from a long time ago. He's been set free from whatever hold he was in and is looking for revenge against the one who locked him up."
"Who are we talking about? General Darkness?" Aijou asked.
"Yes. We think he was a general for the Earth forces back in the age of the Silver Millenium. Somehow, he's broken free and.."
"Yea, yea, we know," Riku spoke up. "He's up for revenge."
"Who locked him up?" I asked to the group. Combat C looked at me with a funny look. "What?"
"We don't know yet," Fighter D answered. "It was a princess of some sorts, that was also a warrior."
"What princess?" Aijou asked then.
"Look, let's worry about General Darkness. I think we'll know more in time," Riku answered as she stood up. "Now, let's go to the park. I can show you some of my motorcycle tricks."'
'It was as if they were trying to hide the identity of the princess.' I thought. "Wait, I got it. It's got to be Sailor Moon. She's a senshi, she's got to be the princess." Pleased with myself, I turned to leave my santruary.
"What makes you think it was Princess Serenity?" A voice spoke. A girl jumped down from a tree. Behind her was Shusen.
"Shusen? Oh I was so worried about you," I cried, wrapping my arms around her. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, thank you," She smiled shyly. "And thank you, for saving me and my father."
"Oh, that, well, you'd do the same thing, right?" I grinned. "So who's this?"
"This is Chigiri Ryoushi." Shusen's hand waved at the girl. She had black raven hair, that swung in two waist length braids. She had no bangs and she had violent red eyes that were startling. She stood over me with a strong presence. She wore army boots, with a pair of khaki's and a red tank top that didn't give her any modesty. Again our eyes met, and I felt something like fear. She must of sensed this as she smiled, her angry face going to friendly face and I relaxed.
"I am Shukumei Shuushi. My friends call me Shuu." I bowed at her politely.
"I am glad to meet you," her hand stretched out and we shook hands. There was a shock that ran through me and I saw a outline of a woman who was suddenly encased in light. The handshake finished, I stood dazed.
"Who are you?" I asked shakily.
"Myself? I am Sailor Diana, the senshi of the hunts." She posed mockingly. "Yea, that's me."
I stared at her. "You two know each other?"
"Yep, we grew up together. We're best buds, right Shusen?" She grinned as she looped an arm around Shusen's shoulders.
"How..." I began but Ryoushi cut through.
"I awoke a couple a years ago. It was rather funny, actually, so yeah, there's your answer."
Shusen shook her head, smiling. "You mustn't be so rude, Ryou-chan, it's not very becoming."
"Ah, Shuu's alright, ain't ya, princess?" Her eyes sparked at me, as if she was challenging me. I tried to think but my mind was a haze.
"Yea, of course," I muttered. I turned around. "I have to go, excuse me." I walked aimlessly and blinded by the fog. I couldn't understand what I was trying to think of. I was startled out of my thoughts by the crashing of huge tree in front of me.
"Shuu," I heard Shusen, or was it Ryoushi, scream out. There was a sudden flash of light and I felt unbelievable pain.
I floated quietly, in a midst of calm darkness. I smiled lazily, as I lied upon the soothing air.
"....Janus.....Sailor Janus...." the voice whispered through. "....rincess...........wake up, dear, wake up."
I found myself being pushed. I groaned and heard a collective sigh.
"Oh, sweetie, don't scare me like that," Mom wrapped her arms around me as I struggled to sit up. Dad grinned boldly, though I could see traces of tears upon his face. Even my little brother was there.
"What happened?" I asked.
"Well, the girls said a tree fell on you," Mom answered. I frowned.
"Oh, well, I'm okay now. Can we go home?"
"Well, angel, I don't....," Dad began but Mom broke in.
"Of course. Let's help you up."
I was out of the hospital fast but I stayed home for a few days, at the request of my mother. When I was finally able to leave, I went to the hangout.
"Hey guys, miss me?" I asked. I gawked as I noticed Shusen and Ryoushi sitting in the group.
"Shuu," Was the only warning before I was plummeted to the floor by Aijou. "Oh, I was so upset, are you all better now?"
"Well, she was," Combat C answered, sitting near my head.
"Where'd you come from?" Naikou asked.
"Talking strategy with Fighter D," he answered. I noticed several of the girls rolling their eyes and snickering.
"Hey, Ryou, Shusen, did a tree actually fall on me?"
"Something to the effect. But it wasn't an accident." Shusen answered.
"Yep, now we gotta protect you," Ryou weaved her arms behind her head, giving out a soft sigh. "But, you know, this is going to be fun. A group of girls fighting bad-asses and killing and stuff."
"Killing is wrong," Aijou broke out.
"I agree with Aijou," Tai shouted. "Killing is inhumane. Do you want to be seen as a monster?"
Ryou blinked and then shrugged. "Hey, there are bad guys that deserve to die. Not my fault if it's our job."
"It is NOT our job," Ban'yuu shouted. The girls were standing up, ready to pounce on Ryou.
"Whatever," she muttered as she also stood up. "So princess, if you need me, I'll be around." She nodded slightly to me and left, Tai following behind her.
"What a witch," Tai growled. "Who does she think she is?"
"Maybe someone who knows more of the truth than you," Riku answered. "So get off her case."
Everyone was silent and I felt uncomfortable. I found myself wiggling and I jumped up. "Well, I think we need a break. I'm going home. C.C., coming?"
He jumped off from the branch and followed me as I also left. As we walked, I slowed down and Combat C met my strides.
"So, were you worried about me?" I asked finally, the question actually unwanted.
He was silent for so long I thought maybe I asked too softly. "Yes, I was," he answered as I had opened my mouth to repeat myself. As I walked forward, it dawned on me that C.C. had fallen behind. "C.C.?" I asked, facing him. He had turned into his human form and was looking at the woods intently. "C.C.?" I asked again, approaching him.
"Let's go see Sakurajima." He said suddenly, giving me a warm smile. I felt my knees go weak as I murmured okay in a flimsy breath.
We walked together for a while in calm silence. I glanced at him and found him also glancing at me. Instantly, we broke the gaze and I blushed furiously.
We entered a open area, where the sun shone down gently and there were bright patches of flowers streaming over the place. I sat down carefully, C.C. following my example after a few moments.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" I asked, my voice quiet and shy.
"I, uh...I..." he stammered, his eyes averted to the sky.
I snorted. "What, cat got your tongue?" I bit my lip. "Sorry."
I was surprised by a chuckle. He shook his head and gave me a heart melting smile. "It's alright, we say that too."
"Oh, really?" I fumbled around for something else to say.
"Shuu?" He asked, his voice uncertain. "If I were a full human, do you think....?"
"What?" My voice was breathless and our eyes met. 'Shoot, what's wrong?' I yelled at my brain.
It seemed like we were pulled closer when there was merely centimeters between us. Sadly, there was a loud crash and we ripped ourselves away as a tree came tumbling down.
"Shuu, move it," C.C. shouted, as he pushed me to the side. We landed with a thud, his body strewn all over me as I heard laughing.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't little C.C.?" A man's voice broke out.
I was surprised as C.C. threw himself up and hissed sharply. "Traitor, that's what you are."
Another human cat, with black hair, black eyes and a gray military uniform, stood poised, ready to pounce on a victim. "It's been a long time, old friend," he spoke sarcastically on the words old friend.
"What do you want?" C.C. shouted as he threw his hands as if to protect me from any attack.
"Nothing, just your downfall," the boy sneered. He jumped down gracefully and grinned widely. "Since we were rivals then, it's suiting that we're enemies now, no?"
Again, C.C. let out a angry hiss. His head turned slightly and he said very quietly, "get going."
I stared at the other cat boy and slowly walked backwards.
"Oh, no," the other said mockingly. "Where do you think you going, princess?" The sentence ended in a sharp hiss as his eyes glinted. He leaped toward me and I braced myself. I heard another yowl and saw C.C. jump at the other's throat.
"No," I screamed and that scream echoed through the trees and up to the sky as I could only watch, paralyzed by the fight.
Sheesh, if I could get anymore feminine, I'd make myself sick. But it's up to me to end this fight along with saving myself and C.C. Until next time,
End Combat Mode.
